Welsh town challenges New Zealand for the title of ‘world’s steepest road’

Residents of Harlech in Wales claim that Ffordd Pen Llech is a degree steeper than the current record holder, Baldwin Street in Dunedin

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The town of Harlech in Wales could soon hold the world record for the steepest street, after it announced it intended to challenge the current incumbent.

The town claims that Fford Pen Llech has a gradient of 36 per cent, a degree steeper than the record holder – Baldwin Street in Dunedin, with a gradient of 35 per cent.

The city on New Zealand’s South Island is notorious for the road, which has become a smash hit – attracting tourists from all around the world. Local businesses have been trading on the title for the past two years since gaining the record, and the 350-metre-long street has found fame on social media.

Measurements are being taken at Fford Pen Llech and a decision on the record attempt is expected later this month.

However, the mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull seems unfazed by the attempt. He told the Guardian that the street had been challenged before and had ‘seen them off.’

“If Wales turns out to have a steeper one we will just have to arrange one of our periodic earthquakes and tilt Baldwin a bit more,” he joked.

Steepest street is just one of Guinness’ many road-based records. Among the holders are Australia’s Highway 1, which at 9,000 miles is the world’s longest continuous road and Lombard Street in San Francisco which is the world’s twistiest.